After the banquet was over, the officials walked out of the magnificent Chu Palace in order.
Qu Yuan lowered his head slightly and walked slowly behind the team, still recalling the graceful dancing figure just now in his mind.
But what he was thinking was not because he was confused by the other party's appearance, but because he was very puzzled by the conversation in the main hall.
Although Qu Yuan was also a man who was greedy for beauty, he could still grasp the appropriateness between the monarch and his ministers.
"What a pity?...What does she mean by that?"
"Zuo Tu."
A soft call from behind brought Qu Yuan back to reality from his dazed state.
Qu Yuan turned to look at the person who made the sound, and immediately bowed his head and said, "Qu Yuan pays homage to your Majesty."
"Zuo Tu doesn't have to be so reserved in front of me." Zhaoyang smiled and waved his hand: "Looking at Zuo Tu's expression, did you hear all the praises from the King?"
"Don't dare not listen." Qu Yuan replied seriously.
Zhaoyang patted his shoulder with a smile, stretched out his hand and guided him forward: "Let's talk as we walk."
"Here." Qu Yuan bowed respectfully.
...Chu is an aristocratic country.
However, the nobility of Chu was not due to the nobility of the country he was granted, but because of the nobility of his class.
The hierarchical structure of the monarchs and ministers of Chu State is completely different from that of other countries in the Central Plains.
The Chu people first prospered in the Danyang area of Jiangshui. During the period of King Wen of Zhou Dynasty, the ancestor of Chu State named Mi Xiong (yu, xiong) followed the Zhou Dynasty to conquer the Shang Dynasty. Because he called himself Zhu Rongwei, he was appointed as the fire master by King Wen of Zhou Dynasty.
After the fall of the Shang Dynasty, King Wu of Zhou divided all the land in the world among the tribes that participated in the battle to destroy the Shang Dynasty, and granted vassal titles to the emperor.
But during the first enfeoffment ceremony, King Wu alone lost Jingchu in the far south.
It wasn't until he became king that Xiong Huan's great-grandson, Xiong Yi, was granted the title of viscount. From then on, the Chu people established their country.
Viscount is only a low-level title. Since the founding of Chu State, it has been despised by the princes of the Central Plains and often regarded as barbarians. This embarrassing situation lasted until Xiong Yi's fifteenth grandson Xiong Tong succeeded to the throne.
When Xiong Tong, the king of Chu, took over the throne, he launched a large-scale military campaign and conquered small neighboring countries. Chu's national power was booming. Later, he simply gave up the title of Zhou Dynasty and proclaimed himself king. He was named King Wu of Chu in history. Since then, Chu State has embarked on a completely different path from other countries in the Central Plains.
Within hundreds of years, the Chu people destroyed the country for forty years, and the country stretched across the Yangtze and Huaihe Rivers.
However, the expansion method of Chu State was different from that of the Central Plains princes. Every time the Chu State destroyed a country, the conquered king made an alliance with the Chu State and declared himself a vassal to pay tribute. However, the conquered king could still entrust the territory with self-governance and the nobles could govern themselves.
This method has also become the tradition of Chu State.
Until the period of King Xiong Yi of Chu Dynasty, wars between countries became more and more frequent, and the methods of war were completely different from those in the past. However, the Chu State was burdened by the old system and was retreating steadily in the face of the Central Plains countries that had implemented the new law.
In order to seek power, Xiong Yi resolutely activated Wu Qi, a fugitive from Wei State, to implement reforms.
After Wu Qi implemented the new law, Chu became strong again. He defeated the Yue State in the south and expanded his territory to Dongting Cangwu Dynasty, and recovered the hometown of Chen and Cai that had been captured by the Wei State in the north. However, the glory was only temporary. With the death of Xiong Yi, Wu Qi, who led the Chu Kingdom to prosperity, was also shot to death by the nobles of the Chu Kingdom who held a grudge.
Although after King Chu Su succeeded to the throne, he killed most of the foreign nobles in the name of rebellion, trying to preserve the fruits of Wu Qi's reform as much as possible. However, the old autonomy of Chu State, which is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, is still eroding the central royal power of Chu State all the time.
Without the covetousness of the outside nobles, the internal clans began to seek power.
Nowadays, the aristocracy of Chu State is headed by the three major families of Qu, Zhao and Jing. These three families are all descendants of the royal family of Chu Kingdom, so they are called Sanlu.
Zhaoyang, the Ling of Chu State, was the head of the Zhao family.
"I have been in power for more than 40 years, and I have never seen the King of Chu think so highly of a young scholar, and treat a servant who is a left disciple so politely." Zhaoyang said with emotion.
Qu Yuan hurriedly bowed his head and said: "If it hadn't been for your support, Qu Yuan would still be serving as a county captain in Xunyang at this time."
"I never imagined that Qu Yuan would also say flattering words." Zhaoyang said calmly.
"They are all spoken from the bottom of my heart." Qu Yuan said seriously.
Qu Yuan was indeed promoted by Zhaoyang. Otherwise, how could a young man with just a weak crown be able to hold the position of a left disciple in charge of a country's diplomatic relations?
"Hahahahaha..."
Zhaoyang laughed for a while, turned around suddenly, and said with a serious expression: "This is exactly what I want to remind you. Do you know how many people have been offended by those words in the court hall just now? Officials often say that what they say is from the bottom of their hearts. Words of misfortune. Just do it with intention. If it is revealed openly, the world will know it. However, how do you know what the world thinks? Your job today is not a small county captain in the past, but in charge of diplomatic relations and national policies. His left disciple. Do you know?"
Qu Yuan stood there, his brows frowning and relaxing. After Zhaoyang finished speaking, he immediately asked: "Sir, please explain in detail."
Since becoming a prince, Qu Yuan has taken it as his mission to revive the Chu State. He is a firm defender of the new law. He believes that if the Chu State wants to be strong, it must follow the example of the Qin State and centralize power in the royal family. Although Qu Yuan could not agree with everything the other party said, he still respected this wise man of the clan very much. Moreover, the identity of the other party is Ling Yin and Shangzhu, who are less powerful than one person in Chu State.
Zhaoyang watched the change in Qu Yuan's expression and stroked his beard: "Qin and Wei have condemned their ministers and envoys to Chu these days. How will you respond?"
Zhaoyang knew this junior's temperament very well.
Qu Yuan immediately blurted out: "In the past, when Qu Yuan first lived in Xunyang, it happened that the Qin State invaded our border. Qu Yuan was fortunate enough to fight with the Qin Army. The intentions of the Qin State must be investigated. Looking at what Qin State is doing today, Qu Yuan thought , Qin should be our old enemy and powerful enemy of Chu. Now, Wei Xiang Gong Sun Yan is running around, urging the five countries to unite, and Chu is just using its strength to weaken Qin, so as to eliminate the troubles of his henchmen!"
Zhaoyang nodded slightly, and then asked: "Is this what you said to the envoy of Qin?"
Qu Yuan was stunned, "What should I say?"
Zhaoyang glanced at him and said seriously: "The Chu State has more troubles than the Qin State. Last year, the Yue State invaded our border while the Chu State was attacking the Song Dynasty. The Wei State seized our hometown of Chen and Cai in the past, and the Qi State seized our borders. Judi, South Korea and our Chu State are fighting in Nanyang, and even the Zhao State in the north. They are all the confidants of our Chu State.
If you were like you today and spoke openly to everyone you saw, all the countries would have united to attack our country of Chu. Qu Yuan, you must remember that diplomatic relations are like war, and all relations must not be made explicit. Only by seeing the opportunity can Zhou Xuan seek the best interests for the Chu State. "
Qu Yuan pursed his lips, bowed solemnly to Zhaoyang and said, "Qu Yuan has been taught. I would like to thank your lord."
…
…
In Yingdu, Cuixian lives.
Zhang Yi's eyes narrowed slightly, with a look of intoxication on his face.
The sound of silk and bamboo playing in the audience was clear and sweet, and the musicians moved their enchanting figures to the rhythm of the music.
It can't help but make people fascinated.
What was being played in the audience was the most fashionable song and dance music in Yingdu nowadays, Ode to Orange.
"Prime Minister Qin is quite satisfied." Jin Shang, the senior official of Chu State, said with a smile.
"The doctor is so hospitable. I think I, Zhang Yi, have lived in Chu for many years, so I can be considered a half-Chu native. Now it is my first time to come to such a luxurious place. So many delicacies are served to me. From now on, when the doctor comes to Qin, Zhang Yi I don’t even know how to entertain the doctor." Zhang Yi replied flatteringly.
"Prime Minister Qin is so polite, hahaha. Qin is too far away, so I can just stay in Yingdu..." Jin Shang said as he stood up and filled up the drinks in front of the two of them, "I respect Prime Minister Qin for a glass." Be careful to drink up.
"Please." Zhang Yi also picked up the drink and drank it in one gulp.
Before coming to Yingdu, he had already ordered people to inquire. Qu Yuan, the current upstart of the Chu State and the left disciple in charge of diplomatic affairs, is a person who hates evil. His political views are to strongly advocate the alliance with Wei to resist Qin and to regain the old land of Chu State, Shang and Yu.
For this reason, after Zhang Yi submitted his credentials, he did not rush to discuss the diplomatic relations between Qin and Chu with Qu Yuan. Instead, through bribery through connections, he invited Jin Shang, a senior official who was on good terms with the Qin State, in the name of visiting a friend.
After drinking, the two were speechless for a while. It seemed that no one wanted to mention the affairs between Qin and Chu first.
Zhang Yi pretended to be intoxicated and closed her eyes slightly, slowly shaking her neck to the rhythm of the music in the audience. "This Yingdu is really good." Zhang Yi sighed.
"Does Prime Minister Qin know what song this dancer is singing?" Jin Shang said calmly.
"What song is it?" Zhang Yi stared at the twisting waist of the dancer below and asked casually.
"This poem is a new composition by Qu Yuan, called Ode to Orange. This piece was personally choreographed and directed by the king's beloved concubine Zheng Xiu. Not long ago, the king entertained ministers at a banquet at Zhanghuatai, and the princess actually came down to lead the dance in person. Within two days, word spread that Outside the palace, no, Orange Song has now become the signature of a large and small wine shop in Yingdu." Jin Shangdao.
"Zhen Zhenzhen, this song is so good." Zhang Yi said with intoxicated eyes.
Then he pretended to be stupid and said: "I dare to ask the doctor, who is this Qu Yuan who can actually make such a good poem?"
"Qu Yuan is our newly appointed disciple of the Chu Kingdom." Jin Shang said with some displeasure.
"Oh?" Zhang Yi suddenly sat upright and said seriously: "I heard that the left disciple of your country is a weak-headed young man. Could it be this boy?"
Jin Shang nodded, and then said in a sarcastic tone: "Qu Yuan is not an ordinary person, he is the pride of our Chu country."
"Hahaha, Chu people have always been proud. But at such an age, Qu Yuan can serve as a disciple. What is his background?" Zhang Yi said calmly.
Jin Shang coughed lightly, and the musicians in the audience retreated out of the room.
"Qu Yuan is a great disciple of our imperial magistrate Yin of Chu. At the same time, the three patriarchs of Qu, Jing, and Zhao all have great affection for him. This son is good at poetry, passionate about new policies, and advocates new laws. He is even loved by the king in the court. It is spread among the people. His incorruptible character and scholars all praised his poetry and poetry..." Jin Shangdao.
"To be favored by heaven and earth can be said to be the pride of the emperor." Zhang Yi said.
"Who says it's not the case?" Jin Shang sighed: "Come to Prime Minister Qin and have a drink..."
…
…
Yingdu, Zuotu Mansion.
"Sir, Qin Prime Minister Zhang Yi is outside the mansion asking for an audience." The maid outside the door lightly knocked on the door.
Qu Yuan put down the pen in his hand and couldn't help but sneered. The Prime Minister of Qin has been delaying for many days, isn't this finally coming?
"please!"
In the auditorium, Qu Yuan and Zhang Yi faced each other and bowed.
The two of them looked at each other silently for a moment.
Zhang Yi bowed his head and said: "I have heard the name of Zuo Tu for a long time, and today I saw that the name is indeed well-deserved."
"Hahahahahaha, I don't know what the name Prime Minister Qin is talking about." Qu Yuan stretched out his hand to indicate where to sit. "please!"
"please!"
"Zhang Yi heard that in the past when Zuo Tu was in central Guizhou, he could shoot a ferocious tiger alone, which is a name for bravery." Zhang Yi complimented.
"Everyone in the world is afraid of tigers and wolves, but Qu Yuan thought that tigers and wolves have nothing to fear. As long as they are lured with meat and whipped with thorns, this ferocious tiger can be easily killed!" Qu Yuan said unceremoniously.
"Congratulations, Zuo Tu." Zhang Yi said calmly.
"I can't talk about high opinions. When I say this to Qin Xiang, I really want to ask Qin Xiang, can countries who have diplomatic relations also seek skin from tigers? If you lure them, use your power to kill them!" At this time, Qu Yuan completely forgot what Zhao Yang said to him. Those words made him hate Qin to the core, not just because of the strong view of family and country in his heart. He even thought about the fact that his two and three sons who fought alongside him in the past were slaughtered by the Qin army, and that the ancestral land of Chu was still occupied by Qin, he wished he could destroy Qin in one day.
Zhang Yi was not annoyed at all, and replied with a smile: "You need force to show off your power, and you need money to buy meat. If you are unarmed and don't have money to buy meat, you are probably overestimating your capabilities. If you can't seek revenge, you can rebel. jaws of death."
"The Chu State has a vast territory and rich resources, so we don't have to worry about the money to buy meat. Copper and iron are plentiful, so we don't have to worry about the materials for making swords. Does Qin Prime Minister think that the Chu State can subdue the tiger?" Qu Yuan said.
"Hahahahaha, what Zuo Tu said is absolutely true. Among the Chinese countries, Chu is the only one that is proudly independent, precisely because Chu is rich and has a strong military. The alliance between Chu and Qin today is to become each other's friends and to capture the evil tiger together." Zhang Yi said.
Qu Yuan's eyes narrowed slightly: "Qu Yuan often heard people say that Qin is a country of tigers and wolves. He also heard people say that the king of Qin is wise and the officials of Qin are diligent. It is difficult to tell which is true and which is not true. Qu Yuan really wants to go to Qin. Take a look and see what the Qin State looks like after Lord Shang’s reform.”
"Okay, if Zuo Tu wants to enter Qin, Zhang Yi will arrange it. The trip to Qin will definitely satisfy Zuo Tu," Zhang Yi said.
"There is no need to bother Prime Minister Qin. Qu Yuan will follow Chu's chariot to Qin!" Qu Yuan said.
Zhang Yi said in a deep voice: "Does Zuo Tu mean to start a war with Qin? I wonder if what Zuo Tu said represents the King of Chu?"
Qu Yuan sneered at him and did not reply.
Zhang Yi suddenly smiled and said: "Zuo Tu is definitely lying. Qin and Chu have a marriage contract for a long time. If this is true, Chu State is openly violating the covenant."
"Will the Qin State abide by the covenant?" Qu Yuan asked sharply.
Zhang Yi said with an innocent face: "Zhang Yi doesn't understand what Zuo Tu means. Since the Qin State established an alliance with the Chu State, up to now, it has not once raised an army to invade Chu, nor has its allies suppressed Chu. When will the Qin State break the agreement?"
Qu Yuan shook his head and laughed: "Hey, Qu Yuan admires Prime Minister Qin's eloquence. But I have nothing to hide from Prime Minister Qin. Wei Prime Minister Gongsun Yan will go to Chu soon. As long as Prime Minister Qin remains in Chu, Qu Yuan will not I’m here to accompany you.”
"Zuo Tu is in charge of diplomatic relations. Zuo Tu is gone. Who will Zhang Yi discuss with about the alliance?" Zhang Yi asked.
"Prime Minister Qin can look for those who show favor to Qin and are close to Qin. There are many such people in Chu.
see a visitor out! "
